Nowhere in the Bible does it state that God will no longer speak to His people today. In Old Testament times God often spoke audibly to those he chose to communicate with. When instructions needed to be given, laws delivered, and information conveyed, God spoke directly with some. Notable individuals included Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and many other patriarchs. He spoke directly with the prophets that were sent to deliver messages to the nation of Israel, as well as to kings. For the majority, God chose to speak to them through a specially chosen individual. God spoke to the nation of Israel through Moses. God gave messages to the nation through his prophets. God often spoke to some through dreams and visions. God spoke through angels. Depending on the circumstance, God always used the best way to communicate what He needed to convey.
With the dawn of the Christian age, God chose to communicate with his people in different ways. The Apostle Paul said, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.” (Hebrews 1:1, 2) Jesus was God’s appointed spokesman and delivered the words of his Father to his people. “For I did not speak on my own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent me has given me commandment, what to say and what to speak.” (John 12:49) The voice of God could, and still can, be heard in the words of his dear Son! The Bible is where God speaks to us from his mind and heart. We have been richly supplied with precious promises, instructions, admonitions, the sure word of prophecy, and everything we need to grow in grace and knowledge. No doubt it would be wonderful to literally hear God’s voice, but by faith we can hear it when we spend time in his word. 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that “we walk by faith and not by sight.” It takes faith to hear God’s voice as we commune with him in prayer. It takes faith to hear God speaking through his overruling providences in our lives. And it is that same faith that is most pleasing to our Heavenly Father and which will be abundantly rewarded!
